The Crusades were basically Christian defense versus Muslim agression. Without the Crusades everyone in Europe and possibly most of the world would now be praying to Mecca 5 times a day.

Jonny, I realize the sentiment behind this and I don't personally agree with America feeling like it has to be the big brother of the rest of the world, but this isn't a case where the US - or any country - should mind it's own business. ISIS is a dangerous entity and has threatened military action on the outside western world, including Rome and all of Spain in addition to the US. After American intervention, they also promised to drown us all in blood. They're clearly not being rational or civil, so hesitance on the part of anyone who can help is a mistake. It would be different if this were a simple, well-intentioned religious movement or cultural institution - if this weren't deemed by then entirety of the planet to be an aggressive terrorist group, then yes, the US should learn to mind it's own business. The US should stop sticking it's nose where it's not needed. But in this particular instance, it's not so.

I really hope this doesn't escalate further because the western world should have nothing to do with this stupid conflict.

I think that's a somewhat skewed viewpoint on the situation. My memory is foggy, but I definitely remember Christianity instigating at least some of the many conflicts that constituted the Crusades. I don't think it's right to paint the Muslim people as the sole aggressors.

To those who watched it, should I

This video, I'm shaking.

Welp

not sure what you're welp-ing at because it's not even true.

it's also pointless and off-topic to even be discussing the ancient crusades to what's happening now.

The Muslim Conquests in Western Europe had been repelled by the time the first crusade began. They were still expanding but not in Europe with Charles Martel winning in Tours in 732 and the Frankish Empire reaching its peak around the turn of the 9th century (Charlemagne crowned in 800). The Crusades began later to get back the Holy Land and led to several agressive moves from the Christians (like the Siege of Acre in 1189-1191 or the Siege of Constantinople in 1204).

This makes me so angry. From my understanding, are IS trying to create an islamic state through force? Under the name of religion? or is there more to the story, is it politics? Is it economics?
If it is religion and thirst for domination, it makes me very, very sad.

There is like two seconds of footage of the beheading itself (no blood), and then just a still of the detached head.

Why won't they just leave us alone?

Journalists need to get out of there.

It was more a compulsive twitch and I thought of the pope in Clermont Ferrand and his Deus lo vult

First of all, there were numerous crusades, some had nothing to do with the Middle East. Secondly, the crusades were not "Christian defense." Whoever taught you that should be fired immediately.

Thirdly, this post is a little rude. You're stating that the thousands of lives lost during the crusades were worth it because apparently nothing is worse to you than being muslim....

WTF

And then there are some people who get mad when America goes over there to turn **** up. Like

Where the video at?

The more I read about this, the angrier I get. Obama (along with Britain and Aus) needs to send troops in immediately, a calculated full force attack. No mercy should be shown to these heinous creatures, bomb the lot of them. You don't bow down to terrorists.

I feel incredible sorrow for his family. Imagine having to see your sons death, and such a hideously slow and painful one at that. He showed so much courage and bravery, hopefully his parents can take some comfort in that.

Obama strikes me as the type to try to play nice but once you shock his conscience he is relentless and he may do something spectacular. I'm hoping for a spectacularly executed military display from Obama and our armed forces as a response that we won't tolerate it.